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Beefeater

The popular informal nickname for a Yeoman Warder — the ceremonially dressed guards stationed at the Tower of London.

/bˈifitɝ/historicalCurrent120 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
🇬🇧 British & Irish slang
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#1·Apr 28, 2026UK

The popular informal nickname for a Yeoman Warder — the ceremonially dressed guards stationed at the Tower of London. In everyday British speech, "Beefeater" is the go-to shorthand for these iconic figures in their Tudor-style red-and-gold uniforms. The term has also been exported globally via the famous Beefeater gin brand. Tourists love them; Londoners say the name with a knowing mix of pride and affection.

The Beefeater standing at the Traitor's Gate barely blinked when the tourist asked for a selfie.
Origin: Origin debated; likely dates to the 17th century, possibly from the guards' privilege of eating from the royal table, or from a derogatory Continental comparison of well-fed English servants. Editorial expansion authored on Slangora.
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UK
#2·Apr 27, 2026UK

(informal, British) A Yeoman Warder.

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  • “Beefeater has just gone same way.”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “Excellent write-up from Beefeater Fella on an under-discussed subject. I just learned a lot!”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
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🇬🇧About British & Irish slang slang

UK and Irish slang — Cockney, Scouse, Geordie, Yorkshire, Glaswegian, Brummie, Welsh, West Country, plus Irish English. Centuries of regional dialects feeding into modern British and Irish street talk.

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